What is video evidence?  

Video is all around us. Typically, the kind of footage that relates to legal matters is sourced from CCTV, Police (dash and body cams), home security, etc.

What types of video evidence can you analyze (e.g., CCTV, smartphone, body cam footage)?

            Any type of footage that can be captured we can breakdown to frame-by-frame analysis.

Can you confirm whether a video has been edited or altered?

Yes, we can analyze the metadata from the content we receive to ascertain if there’s been tampering.

How accurate is video enhancement, and what limitations should I be aware of?

This depends on several criteria such as quality of the equipment, distance from subject, camera angle, etc. With software, we can enhance even poor images to get an idea of what has occurred.

What software and tools do you use for forensic video analysis?

We use Final Cut Pro as our base software. This allows us to utilize several “plug-ins” designed to give us the tools to break down the footage. One such plug-in is Neat Video which is industry standard for noise reduction and sharpening.

Can you enhance low-quality or blurry footage to identify key details?

            Yes, however we are always at the mercy of the original quality and resolution of the source material.

How do you handle chain of custody to ensure evidence integrity?

As a boutique agency, we take security very seriously. All footage is secured in and backed up to an encrypted password-protected hard drive that is limited to the staff working on the specific project. Additionally, all our staff undergo criminal background checks and sign NDA agreements.

Can you provide expert testimony in court regarding your analysis?

            Yes, we are happy to appear in court to answer questions about our analysis.

What qualifications and certifications do your analysts hold?

Collectively, we have over 40 years in post-production and video editing. We are also fully trained by the software developers that we utilize.

How do you document your analysis process for court presentation?

This depends on the wishes of the client. We’ve presented evidence in PowerPoint presentations, stills on a screen and printed boards that can be held and examined by juries or justices.

Can you synchronize multiple video sources to create a coherent timeline?

Often this is one of the most important parts of analysis in a multi-cam evidence chain. In these cases, we use metadata and sight references to compile the most accurate timeline that we can.

How long does it typically take to analyze a video?

Again, this is dependent on the content. We try to turn around a project within 14 days from receipt of the footage.

What are the costs associated with forensic video analysis?

            A detailed price list is available by request.

How do you ensure that your analysis is impartial and unbiased?

We ensure that we do not accept a case if we have any conflicts of interest. Additionally, if there could be even a small assumption of bias, we would prefer to have another company assist you.

Can you detect if video footage is deepfake or otherwise digitally fabricated?

Deepfakes get more sophisticated each day. There are tools that can do a deep dive on such evidence, but it would be something we would send to a third party.

What is the difference between forensic analysis and simple video editing?

Standard video editing is simply putting images together to create a story. Evidence analysis requires a thorough understanding of equipment and industry standards, camera placement and angles, frame rates, and enhancement software and plug-ins.

Can you analyze audio tracks within video files to enhance clarity or identify sounds?

            Yes, our analysis includes audio enhancements.

How do you handle sensitive or private information in video evidence?

We usually address this on a project-by-project basis; however, all footage is secured in an encrypted and password-protected hard drive that is limited to the staff working on the specific project. We also do all our evidence work on computers that are disconnected from networks for further safety.

Can you clarify timestamps and determine if they have been altered?

While metadata can be tampered with, it’s generally not easy to do without expertise. If we determine that there is a chance footage has been altered, we alert clients and suggest that they request the footage be excluded.

Do you work with other forms of digital evidence alongside video, such as photos or audio files?

            We are happy to help you with any visual and audio evidence that you have. 

Are you able to slow down or speed up footage to highlight critical moments?

            Yes. Moreover, we provide upscaled and enhanced frame-by-frame analysis of the evidence.

Can you reconstruct a scene from partial or fragmented video evidence?

We are not professional reconstructors, but we are happy to review the footage and suggest a storyline that meets the logic of the evidence.

What type of reports do you provide after completing the analysis?

Each project comes with a complete and lucid report that clearly breaks down the evidence and provides a guide to our methodologies and conclusions. We’re happy to share samples of our work with you and provide references.

How often are your methods and tools updated to stay current with industry standards?

Continuing education is important for all of our staff, and we update our software frequently to take advantage of new technologies and improvements.

What are the common challenges or issues that arise with video evidence in court cases?

It’s been our experience that people assume that video evidence is the “smoking gun”. However each frame may reveal a different story when the footage is properly analysed and presented.